This Week in PC Games: GoldenEye Revived, Arcade Football Experience, Ballpoint City Building, and a Game Centered on Area 51 Monsters

Do you like architecture that plays tricks on you? Secret rooms in DOOM? The Ashtray Maze in Control? Thinking with Portals? The 5 a.m.? That painting of some books outside the lockers in the British Library that bends queasily as you approach, revealing itself to be a horrible wedge of tomeflesh, projecting outward into our realm like some dead author’s imprisoned soul? I guess you’ll be playing the new Ultrakill update then.

It introduces the eighth layer of Hell, Fraud, in which nothing you perceive with your eyes can be trusted. A problematic prospect, for a “video” game. Here’s the trailer. I promise you that the play button below isn’t an illusion. Are you an illusion? Blink twice for “Yes”.

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Forza Horizon 6 is already Steam Deck Verified, which I’m forced to concede makes much of this article surplus to requirements. Yes alright, big green checkmark, you can convey the meaning of “it works” without publishing an entire performance and settings guide, or indeed needing to spell out the words “it” or “works”. But then we’ve known that since March anyway, so I guess we’re both stating the obvious.

Or are we? FH6 may follow Forza Horizon 5 down the smoothly tarmacked road of full Deck compatibility, but it still requires some extensive quality-lowering to escape sluggishness – its brisk pace on desktop PCs being much harder to match on handheld hardware. At the same time, sticking the Very Low preset on and being done with it robs the game of most of its Forza-standard lustre, at least traces of which can be kept without sending framerates off a cliff like a confused satnav.

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## The Ascent and Descent of Cliff Bleszinski: From Gaming Legend to Cautionary Example

Once celebrated as a rock star in the gaming world, Cliff “CliffyB” Bleszinski’s story is one of remarkable achievement followed by a swift downturn. A key player at Epic Games during the ’90s and 2000s, Bleszinski was the creative mind behind revolutionary titles like *Jazz Jackrabbit*, *Unreal*, and the critically lauded *Gears of War*. However, his exit from Epic in the 2010s ushered in a challenging phase, prompting him to launch Boss Key Productions—a venture that ultimately faltered.

### From Triumph to Blunders

In a revealing dialogue with Brian Crecente, Bleszinski openly reflects on his earlier choices, crediting the setbacks of Boss Key to his own arrogance and an unhealthy lifestyle. “The Gears of War trilogy was primarily developed while I was hungover,” he confesses, suggesting that his fondness for drinking was detracting from his leadership duties. A multitude of minor mistakes, compounded by his attitude, led to a deficiency in focus and direction within the team.

Bleszinski co-founded Boss Key Productions with Arjan Brussee, another notable figure in the gaming industry. They initiated the development of *LawBreakers* long before *Overwatch* was released, hoping to establish a niche for their game in the expanding hero-shooter genre. However, the overwhelming success of *Overwatch* became a major hurdle. Despite the team’s belief in their distinctive, less cartoonish style, they struggled to differentiate themselves amidst the clamor of rival games.

When the team shifted to *Radical Heights* in reaction to the triumph of *Fortnite*, they found themselves again in the shadows. In spite of the perceived strengths of their game, they could not escape being overshadowed by a giant that was transforming the industry landscape.

### Acknowledgment of Errors and Personal Challenges

Bleszinski admits that poor timing was a significant factor in Boss Key’s downfall. Nevertheless, he is forthcoming in accepting blame for his inadequacies as a leader. He describes himself as disengaged and not as involved as he ought to have been, allowing his ego to overshadow the needs of his team. “I wanted it to be my show,” he states, recognizing that he overestimated the loyalty of his followers, believing that his name alone would attract players to the game.

This ego, along with personal struggles, further complicated his work life. Bleszinski openly talks about his battle with alcoholism, disclosing that he purposely set up his office near the nightlife of the bar scene. His drinking, which started during the *Unreal Tournament* era, was intensified by the industry culture surrounding gaming events. Following a seizure linked to his drinking, Bleszinski has since dedicated himself to bettering his health and overcoming his addiction.

### A Change in Perspective

Following the shut down of Boss Key Productions, Bleszinski has distanced himself from game development, choosing instead to delve into writing, podcasting, and exploring theater, where he has found unexpected success on Broadway. His tale serves as a cautionary example within the gaming realm, highlighting the dangers of unchecked ambition, substance abuse, and the darker aspects of fame.

As the world of live service games continues to transform, businesses often face similar challenges as Bleszinski’s enterprises. Each setback carries valuable lessons on timing, leadership, and the significance of building a solid foundation beyond the individual’s brand.

### Conclusion

Cliff Bleszinski’s saga is one defined by both victories and setbacks, illuminating the intricacies of the gaming world. Although he once stood at the zenith, his journey serves as a vital reminder of the balance between success and downfall, showing that ego and excess can lead even the most gifted individuals astray.